As I read Wendy’s story, I just get this big grin on my face…she is a true inspiration and proof that it is possible to take control of your own health! I met Wendy when I was wellness coaching full-time in the corporate setting. She was 22 years-old, and gearing up for her wedding day! Now, it is a year and a half after her first 5K, and Wendy keeps surprising me with her enthusiasm and accomplishments. I know that even without my guidance, Wendy would have met her weight loss and fitness goals. She’s amazing—and I’m so glad I played a part in her journey!
Take it away, Wendy!
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![beforepic](http://www.thrive-style.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/beforepic.jpg)
Initially, I dedicated my time immediately after work to start working out at the Fitness Center at work. I also signed up for a few of employee fitness courses and enjoyed participating in them. They helped to change up the pace of things so that I wouldn’t get bored from just using the elliptical or the treadmill every day. I also changed the way I ate by incorporating more fruits and vegetables and eliminating fast food. By making these changes, I lost 30 pounds. Then, I met Lisa, one of the wellness coaches at my place of employment. I still had 20 pounds left to lose to meet my weight loss goal, and she helped me accomplish this. She spent a lot of time with me, discussing ways to stay focused and lose my final 20 pounds. With her encouragement, I began challenging myself by running. I had never run before, but Lisa assured me that I could do whatever I set my mind to. It was one of the most difficult things that I have ever done and it pushed me harder than I ever thought I could be pushed. I began by just running a minute or two at a time on the treadmill and developed from there. In August of 2009, I participated in my first 5k race, with a time of 34:35. I continued my running and ran another 5k in August of 2010 with an improved time of 27:57. Shortly after that, I participated in the 2010 Rochester Marathon Relay, where I completed the first leg (6.5 miles) of the marathon. I have lost (and kept off) 50 pounds since I began my lifestyle change.
I was motivated initially because I was getting married and I wanted to look and feel great for my wedding day. Once I began changing my lifestyle, I could see and feel the difference, and it felt amazing. I was motivated by the progress that I made each day and I hated seeing myself go backwards. I couldn’t allow myself to make excuses or give up my workout time. I worked hard, and I wanted it to all pay off. I felt fabulous about myself on my wedding day and I knew I could never go back to my old lifestyle. I am motivated on a daily basis by the self-confidence and energy that I gain from working out.
![IMG_0497a](http://www.thrive-style.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_0497a-1024x682.jpg)
There were times when I felt like I worked extremely hard but would see no results on the scale. Although it was frustrating, I knew I just had to keep going, and eventually I would see results again. If I gave up at those difficult times, I would never be where I am today.
Working out (specifically running) is a great stress reliever for me. Running gives me time to do something that feels natural and clear my mind at the same time. I make sure that my workout times are a priority for me and do not allow my job to interfere. If I know that I am not going to be able to fit in my daily workout before or after work, I make arrangements to fit it in on a day that I wouldn’t normally work out. It just takes a little bit of planning ahead, but it is completely worth it!
![marathon](http://www.thrive-style.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/marathon1.jpg)
As far as tips for others, make sure to consider what you’re eating. Although exercise is an extremely large part of a healthy lifestyle, the choices that are made with food are equally important. I learned to recognize how vital it is to read food labels for certain ingredients that would hinder my weight loss. I am also much more aware of how important it is to buy organic. I now choose groceries as if I’m “casting my vote” for products that I support and that I want to eat. Last summer my husband and I joined a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and enjoyed the fresh fruits and vegetables from May through October while supporting a local farmer. I have changed the way I look at and view food, and this in turn has changed the way I eat.
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Thanks Wendy!
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